CLARISSA SANTANA
Ypsilanti,MI
Summary
Bilingual professional fluent in Spanish with expertise in mental health, multicultural competence, advocacy, and program development for vulnerable populations. Strong background in connecting individuals and communities to local services, mental health resources, and agencies. Consistently worked towards improving access to healthcare and education. Proven ability to create and lead inclusive initiatives that foster equity, quality, empathy, and compassion.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Mental Health Therapist
Vida Counseling Group PLLC
01.2022 - Current
- Provided empathetic counseling to support clients' emotional well-being.
- Developed treatment plans for fostering mental health recovery.
- Improved patient outcomes by utilizing evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
- Conducted individual therapy sessions, addressing personal and emotional issues.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals for managing mental health challenges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care for clients, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs.
- Supported clients in crisis situations, ensuring immediate intervention.
- Foster collaborative relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to providing a nonjudgmental space for exploration and growth.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client progress, effectively communicating with other healthcare providers as necessary.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the broader healthcare system when necessary to ensure access to appropriate resources or accommodations during the treatment process.
- Established strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity.
Wellness Specialist
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
03.2016 - Current
- Provide consultations and educational presentations to staff, patients, and families, integrating cultural awareness, environmental health, and evidence-based practices.
- Coordinate safety events and volunteers to optimize program delivery and community engagement.
- Secure and manage grant funding, strategically allocating resources to address community needs and enhance the quality and continuity of care.
- Increased community awareness by delivering engaging health education workshops.
- Developed educational materials for diverse audiences, addressing various health topics.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals for enhancing program quality and outreach.
- Improved participant engagement with interactive learning activities and discussions.
- Facilitated workshops on preventive health measures, empowering individuals with knowledge.
- Enhanced health literacy by utilizing clear and accessible communication strategies.
- Coordinated health fairs and events to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles.
- Adapted educational content to meet cultural sensitivities and language preferences.
- Evaluated program effectiveness by collecting feedback and implementing improvements.
- Advocated for community resources to support health education initiatives.
- Increased program participation with targeted outreach and marketing efforts.
- Utilized technology to enhance accessibility and delivery of health education content.
- Collaborated with schools to integrate health education into existing curricula.
- Managed project timelines and budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources.
Clinical Therapist
Fairsky Foundation
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Utilized evidence-based interventions in individual therapy sessions, tailoring techniques to each patient's unique needs.
- Evaluated treatment effectiveness through ongoing assessment, refining interventions to better meet patient needs and facilitate lasting change.
- Provided psychoeducation on coping mechanisms, equipping patients with practical tools to manage stressors effectively.
- Monitored treatment adherence, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize engagement and ensure continuity of care.
- Promoted self-efficacy in patients by setting achievable goals and celebrating progress throughout the therapeutic process.
- Assisted youth in improving self-esteem, communication and coping skills.
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing patients in acute distress and connecting them with appropriate resources.
- Continuously updated clinical knowledge through professional development, staying current on best practices in the field of therapy.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient progress, enabling accurate evaluation of treatment efficacy.
- Coordinated care with primary healthcare providers for seamless integration of mental health services into overall patient wellness plans.
Youth Counselor
Vista Maria
04.2015 - 05.2016
- Assisted youth in developing problem-solving and communication skills to support stress management.
- Facilitated goal-setting workshops for positive future planning, supporting academic and personal achievements.
- Co-facilitated group and recreational therapy sessions, fostering social and emotional development while providing a safe and supportive space for healing.
- Provided case management and mentorship, guiding young women who have been assaulted in understanding their rights, informed consent, and pathways to autonomy.
- Educated residents on safe sex practices, contraception, and reproductive health, empowering them to make choices that align with their well-being.
- Promoted self-care among clients, teaching stress management techniques and healthy coping strategies for post-traumatic growth.
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI08-2020
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor in Human Sexuality
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI04-2013
Skills
- Cultural Awareness
- Promotion of Equity and Inclusion
- Effective Public Speaking
- Facilitating Workshops
- Report Documentation
- Public Health Advocacy
- Community Engagement
- Grant Administration
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Systems Improvement
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Social Justice Advocacy
Presentations And Trainings
- Beyond Words: Language Access and Cultural Awareness in Safety Education, Michigan Child Passenger Safety Conference, 08/2024
- Innovative Approaches to Enhancing Hospital-Based Child Safety Education, Kids in Motion Conference, 08/2024
- Breaking the Language and Cultural Barrier, Lifesavers National Conference, 08/2019
- Breaking the Language Barrier, Michigan Child Passenger Safety Conference, 08/2018
- Harm Reduction and Sterile Syringe Access Training, 08/2020
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, 04/2013
- Suicide Prevention 101: Mental Health and Suicide Prevention During the Coronavirus Pandemic, 08/2020
- Evidence-Based Strategies for Helping Clients Make Meaning After Loss, 08/2020
- Essentials of Trauma Treatment, 08/2020
Strengths And Expertise
- Public Speaking
- Workshop Facilitation
- Report Writing & Documentation
- Crisis Intervention
- Community Outreach
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Problem Solving
- Social Justice
- Microsoft Office & Google Suite
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Michigan Licensing Board.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Clinical Mental Health Therapist
Vida Counseling Group PLLC
01.2022 - Current
Clinical Therapist
Fairsky Foundation
01.2021 - 01.2025
Wellness Specialist
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
03.2016 - Current
Youth Counselor
Vista Maria
04.2015 - 05.2016
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - Michigan Licensing Board.
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Wayne State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Minor in Human Sexuality
Eastern Michigan University
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